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Zee introduces ‘Break-Free’ programming as brand positioning excercise
As ad spend becomes increasingly more difficult to access, channels are having to innovate to make sure the ad rupee goes as long a way as possible. Towards this end, Zee TV has introduced a unique initiative titled ‘Break Free Comedy Band’.
“Break-Free” is meant for the comedy programmes that are shown from Monday to Friday in the 7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. slot. Fevicol is the sponsor and this initiative will run on Zee TV till August 17. That the move is also a bid to boost ratings should not be forgotten of course.
Partha Sinha, director of marketing for Zee Telefilms Ltd says: “The Break-Free concept is a pioneering attempt to provide innovative viewing solutions for viewers and at the same time offer interesting communication solutions to advertisers. Feedback from viewers and research figures indicate a strong positive response to our initiative.
In addition to positive viewer response, the advertising community has also shown strong interest in the Break-Free concept. The Break-Free initiative has been developed primarily for Fevicol, since the concept of a seamless half hour programme fits in very well with the Fevicol brand positioning. We are open to developing similar advertising solutions which are in harmony with the advertiser’s brand positioning and add incremental benefits to the advertising rupee.”
Some of the programmes that give viewers the unique Break Free experience are ‘Aasman Say Tapki’ on Monday, ‘Apun To Bas Vaise Hi’ on Tuesday, ‘Yah Hai Mumbai Meri Jaan’ on Wednesday, ‘Devrani Jethani’ on Thursday, and ‘Zee Talkies’ on Friday.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
